The American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) remains deeply committed to the safety and health of our patients, colleagues, and communities. We are particularly compelled to speak following the horrific events of February 14, 2018 in Parkland, Florida — yet another tragedy in a long string of acts of gun violence, which have become a uniquely American problem. While mass shootings gain the attention of media, shootings of individual victims occur every day in every part of this country. We are both heartbroken and encouraged by the outpouring of discussion about gun violence among youth in this country following this latest devastating shooting. As physicians, we bear witness to the carnage of gun violence in our emergency departments, operating rooms, and hospitals.

In 2015, with the recognition that firearm injury and death is a significant public health concern, AMWA formed a Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. After careful study and consideration of gun violence, the AMWA leadership presents the following recommendations, to be elaborated upon in a forthcoming position statement.

As physicians and women, we declare that gun violence is an urgent public health issue, requiring effective, evidence-based, and common-sense solutions.

Expansion of mental health services and prevention programs, geared to the reduction of homicides and suicides by firearm.

Policies that allow universities to prohibit firearms on all campuses including medical schools and university hospitals.

The Gun Violence Task Force is led by physician members of the organization, Dr. Ilana Rosman and Dr. Stephanie Bonne. If you are interested in joining our efforts, please email us at amwagunviolencetaskforce@gmail.com.